THE NHS in Devon is looking for members of the public to help make decisions about which treatments will be available to patients.

Voluntary public representatives, also known as lay public members, are being recruited to Devon’s Clinical Policy Committee to help make sure the best decisions are made when it comes to the funding of medicines and treatments.

Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (NEW Devon CCG) and South Devon and Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group (SD&T CCG) work closely together to reduce variations in treatments that the NHS will fund locally.

The lay public member role is to make sure that the public voice is heard when decisions are made about whether treatments are considered good value for money and should be made available.

Devon’s Clinical Policy Committee is made up of eight GPs and 10 advisory members, including hospital specialists and public health advisors. It meets six times a year, usually in Exeter. There would also be six meetings of the Clinical Policy Engagement and Consultation Panel which the members would attend.

Formal qualifications are not required for the role but some formal committee experience would be advisable as well as the confidence to deal with complex and technical data.

Dr Jo Roberts, chair of the Clinical Policy Committee and clinical lead for innovation and medicines optimisation for SD&T CCG, said: ‘We are looking for people who can bring an understanding of the necessity to balance the healthcare needs of specific patient groups with the requirement to resource a comprehensive health service.’

Chris Roome, head of clinical effectiveness for NEW Devon CCG, said: ‘We are looking for someone who can provide the committee with the broader public’s perspective during the decision-making process, ensuring that the public interest is acknowledged and taken into account.’

Lay public members are appointed for up to two years. The role is unpaid but expenses are reimbursed.

The role description and further details are available at the NEW Devon CCG website. For further information, contact Chris Roome on 01392 267768.

To apply please send a covering letter detailing your interest and suitability for this role and a CV via email to [email protected] by Friday 16 December 2016.